HB291 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jim McClendon

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Allen TreadawayRon JohnsonBerry ForteMary Sue McClurkinPaul W. LeeApril WeaverElaine BeechJim PattersonMike Millican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Health Department, Palliative Care and Quality of Life, State Advisory Council, appointed by State Health Officer, advisory capacity to department

Summary

HB291 creates a State Advisory Council on Palliative Care and Quality of Life within Alabama’s State Health Department and starts a statewide palliative care education program.

What This Bill Does

It sets up the council, appoints members, and requires regular meetings. The council will advise the health department on how to develop and evaluate palliative care programs across the state. It also creates a statewide information and education program that publishes resources, training, and guidance for providers, facilities, patients, and families. It clarifies that information published does not set a legal standard of care and provides liability immunity for physicians and hospitals related to that information.

Who It Affects

• Health care professionals and health care facilities involved in palliative care, who will receive guidance, educational resources, and may serve on the new council (with no compensation).
• Alabama residents, including patients and family caregivers, who will gain access to publicly available palliative care information, education, and resources through the department’s website.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the State Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council within the State Health Department; members appointed by the State Health Officer; requires interdisciplinary expertise and inclusion of patient/family advocates; considers diversity; terms are three years; council elects a chair and vice chair; meetings at least twice yearly; members do not receive compensation.
• Council duties to consult with and advise the State Health Officer and department on the establishment, operation, and evaluation of palliative care initiatives.
• Creates a statewide Palliative Care Information and Education Program within the department; duties include publishing information and resources on the department website, providing continuing education for providers, outlining palliative care delivery in various settings, sharing best practices, and offering consumer materials and hospice referral information.
• Department will consult the advisory council in implementing the information program; information published shall not be construed as establishing a standard of care or altering liability statutes, and physicians and hospitals are immune from civil and criminal liability for claims related to the published information.
• Effective date is immediate upon passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health